Liverpool stars key to Jude Bellingham signing amid new training camp ‘whisper’ – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed Jude Bellingham’s newly-forged relationship with Liverpool stars like Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold could be the “difference” in him joining the club.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted he is “sure” that the midfielder’s next club is a topic of discussion within the England camp.
Speaking to Sky Sports (via ESPN, 6 December), former England defender Gary Neville claimed “sneaky” Liverpool stars like Henderson and Alexander-Arnold are “cuddling up” to Bellingham ahead of a potential Anfield transfer.
Sources told this site on Saturday (10 December) that Liverpool were close to securing the sensational signing of Bellingham in the summer window.
It is understood that the midfielder’s father, Mark, had been convinced that a move to Merseyside was the ideal next step in his career – and a deal was “virtually done”.
A full agreement was not struck and Bellingham’s price tag has ballooned again ahead of a transfer showdown in the summer of 2023 – with Man City and Paris Saint-Germain among the other interested clubs.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “If I was there on England duty, I’d be trying to get him to sign for my club too.
“There’s going to be bonds and friendships within these camps. I’m sure it’s talked about, and Bellingham will be aware of the interest he’s getting.
“It’s going to come down to personal choice for him once all the money is sorted out with Dortmund.
“But look, there’s going to be whispers between the players on international duty. That’s obvious.
“These guys are building a friendship, and that can be the difference between signing for a certain club and not.”
In other news, pundit lauds Liverpool dealmakers as “staggering” £57.1million deal done – “it’s phenomenal”.